Winnipeggers gather at The Forks to put the puck in the net before the big game

Posted by SCENE Producer Kinzey Posen | Monday October 10, 2011

Just before Keith & Renee opened their set Sunday afternoon at The Forks at the CBC Fanzone, Keith MacPherson said "Canada Lives Here!" It was an astute observation as several thousand Jets' fans gathered at the Forks to help celebrate the Jets first scheduled game in Winnipeg after a 15 years absence. With one man dressed as a puck in the crowd along with the Dons, a group of men who dress like Don Cherry, (weird eh?), It was a festive and friendly atmosphere.In addition to Keith & Renee, performers included Quinzy and Doc Walker. Each band brought the audience closer and closer to hockey heaven through their music. Comedian Ryan McMahon kept the crowd entertained in between bands along with CBC hosts Janet Stewart, Mitch Peacock, Wab Kinew, Larry Updike and Terry MacLeod.

The band Quinzy brought their highpower pop music to the stage and ended their set with the classic Elton John song Bennie and the Jets. That tune has become synonymous with the old Winnipeg Jets team and the audience was singing B-b-b-b-b-benny along with the band.

As soon as Doc Walker hit the stage the already high energy in the audience kicked a notch higher. The band played their hearts out and more than a few fans knew the lyrics to their songs and sang along. The boys in the band wouldn't leave the edge of the stage until all their fans had their autographs.

The show also included Jets player video profiles and an excerpt from the brand new documentary Fueled By Passion. The audience was than treated to a live feed of the game from the MTS Centre on the big screens.

Read the Manitoba SCENE post about last Thursday's Face Off at the Forks with Bachman Turner, 3 Days Grace and Inward Eye.